The Dispatch E-Edition

All current subscribers have full access to Digital D, which includes the E-Edition and
unlimited premium content on Dispatch.com, BuckeyeXtra.com, BlueJacketsXtra.com and
DispatchPolitics.com.
Subscribe
today!

Q: I desperately need help getting rid of scabies. This has been on my skin for five months. I’v
e been to two doctors, but they didn’t help me. Please tell me how to take care of this.

A: Scabies is a skin infection caused by a small species of mite. It is highly contagious. It
can be spread from skin to skin or by the sharing of clothing or bedding. After exposure, the mites
burrow into the skin and deposit eggs. The burrow looks like a small, dark dot.

The body becomes allergic to the mites after a few weeks, at which point they become very itchy.
The itching tends to be worse at night. The common places on the body to have symptoms include the
wrists, genitals, abdomen and webs between the fingers.

Treatment of scabies is with prescription-strength 5 percent permethrin. The cream is applied to
the entire body from the neck down and left on for 12 hours, then washed off.It is important to
sterilize all clothing and bedding at the same time to avoid reinfection.It is common for multiple
family members to be infected, so everybody (and all the clothing and bedding) needs to be treated
at the same time.

I have seen several cases that needed repeat treatments.Resistant cases, especially in someone
with an immune disorder, might need treatment with a pill.Treatment for scabies in all cases
requires a visit to the doctor.Itchiness continues after treatment because the allergens are still
present, but this should go away within two weeks.

I should caution you that the mind is powerful. The first few cases of scabies I saw as a doctor
caused me to feel itchy all day; even though I knew that it was all in my head, it didn’t stop me
from feeling itchy.To be sure you have scabies, visit a dermatologist.

Q: As my son matured to about the age of 45, his stomach seemed to get very large and protrude
from under his rib cage. Is this due to not getting enough exercise? No one else in the family has
this feature.

A: Abdominal obesity is more common in men. This pattern is sometimes called an “apple” shape,
as opposed to women, who more frequently gain weight in their hips and thighs (“pears”).

Abdominal obesity is associated with a much higher risk for heart disease. It also predicts a
higher risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and bad cholesterol numbers.

Getting rid of abdominal fat isn’t easy, and requires exercise and better eating for the best
chance. Fortunately, even five or 10 pounds of weight loss can reduce the risk of heart
disease.

Dr. Roach answers letters only in his North America Syndicate column but provides an order form
of available health newsletters. Write him at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475; or
ToYourGood